LONG BEACH, Calif., April 2026
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center has joined a nationwide Phase 3 clinical research effort aimed at addressing one of the most deadly and underserved forms of stroke—intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will evaluate whether recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) can effectively reduce bleeding in the brain when administered in the earliest stages of stroke onset. This pivotal trial, known as the FASTEST (Recombinant Factor VIIa for Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke Administered at Earliest Time) study, represents a critical step toward identifying life-saving therapies for hemorrhagic stroke, a condition that currently lacks proven treatment options.
Phase 3 Trial Targets Early Intervention in ICH
The FASTEST trial is a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of rFVIIa in patients experiencing spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Participants will receive either the investigational therapy or a placebo, alongside standard-of-care medical treatment, enabling researchers to determine whether early pharmacological intervention can significantly reduce hematoma expansion and improve survival outcomes.
Intracerebral hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel ruptures within the brain, leading to rapid bleeding, increased intracranial pressure, and irreversible brain damage. It accounts for more than 10% of the approximately 17 million strokes globally each year, yet it carries a mortality rate exceeding 40%, making it the most lethal subtype of stroke. Despite its severity, there are currently no therapies proven to reliably stop the bleeding, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions.
The FASTEST trial focuses on delivering treatment within a critical two-hour window from stroke onset, a timeframe believed to be essential for minimizing brain injury. This emphasis on ultra-early intervention reflects a growing consensus in stroke research that time-sensitive therapies can dramatically influence patient outcomes.
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Innovative Mechanism Targets Blood Clotting Pathways
Recombinant Factor VIIa is a bioengineered version of a naturally occurring clotting protein, designed to enhance the body’s ability to form stable blood clots and limit ongoing bleeding. By targeting the coagulation cascade, rFVIIa has the potential to stabilize hemorrhages rapidly, preventing further expansion of the bleed and reducing subsequent neurological damage.
Researchers will closely monitor clinical outcomes and biomarkers, including neurological function and disease progression, to evaluate the therapeutic impact of rFVIIa. The study will enroll adult patients aged 18 to 80, ensuring a diverse patient population reflective of real-world clinical scenarios. Given the life-threatening and time-critical nature of ICH, some patients may be enrolled under emergency protocols when immediate consent is not feasible, ensuring that treatment is not delayed in critical situations.
This approach underscores the importance of balancing ethical considerations with urgent clinical needs, particularly in acute neurological emergencies where every minute can determine patient survival and recovery.
National Collaboration Aims to Transform Stroke Care
The inclusion of MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center in this national initiative highlights its role as a key contributor to advanced neuroscience research and clinical innovation. The hospital will engage in community outreach efforts prior to study initiation, ensuring that patients and families are informed about the trial and have the opportunity to provide input. This patient-centered approach reflects a broader commitment to transparency, education, and ethical clinical research practices.
The FASTEST trial is part of a larger NIH-led effort to accelerate the development of effective treatments for hemorrhagic stroke, a field that has historically lagged behind ischemic stroke research. By leveraging a collaborative, multi-center framework, the study aims to generate robust clinical evidence that could lead to regulatory approvals and widespread adoption of new therapies..
If successful, rFVIIa could become the first effective pharmacological intervention for intracerebral hemorrhage, fundamentally changing the standard of care for this devastating condition. The potential to reduce mortality, preserve neurological function, and improve quality of life for patients represents a major breakthrough in stroke medicine.
As research progresses, the FASTEST trial stands as a landmark study in acute stroke intervention, offering renewed hope for patients, clinicians, and healthcare systems worldwide striving to combat one of the most challenging neurological emergencies.
Source: MemorialCare press release
